Xu Yintian wasn't entirely in the dark, but by the time he knew, it was too late. Unless he abandoned his own sister, acting against the Zhu family wouldn't be easy.

As he hesitated, Shao Qi arrived. He didn't reveal his intention, but from the moment he killed Zhu Shikun, it was clear the Zhu family was doomed.

Zhu Rongwei, not daring to deeply offend his brother-in-law, pleaded, "I admit my fault in this matter. But since it hasn't escalated yet, is there really no room for negotiation? I know you're close with Marshal Shao. I can change my ways, or even hand over all my assets, just seeking leniency."

Inside, Zhu Rongwei cursed. Xu Yintian knew the man's identity but didn't inform him. Clearly, he just wanted to use someone else to get rid of him. What a smart move—it must've been him who leaked the information.

"Don't forget, when you first became the city lord, it was my Zhu family that tirelessly worked for your position. Your sister came over and ruled like a queen; I never dared to contradict her. Most of the strategies were devised by her—she's far more ambitious than you."

"Is that so? So, you willingly served her? It seems you both just clicked, sharing the same ambitions." After Xu Yintian realized he would never have children in this lifetime, he did become more lenient towards them. But he never intended to pass the position of city lord to his family. Every year, he invested a hefty amount in schools to reward students excelling in both literature and martial arts, considering them potential candidates for the future city lord.

Seeing that Xu Yintian had no intention of helping, Zhu Rongwei began calculating his escape. Tonight's forces were not all he had. If he could leave the city, he'd be free to go anywhere. The stone forest he constructed near the livestock farm was his backup plan—with stashed supplies, he could survive underground for a year.

But how to escape? While Shao Qi hasn't arrived yet, now would be the best opportunity.

He discreetly watched Xu Yintian out of the corner of his eye, seeing him turned away. Quietly, he moved closer, slowly raising his gun. With one shot, he could incapacitate Xu Yintian, then use him as a hostage to flee the city.

As if he had eyes on the back of his head, Xu Yintian sighed, "Brother-in-law, this is the last time I'll address you as such. Rest in peace. I'll send my sister to accompany you, along with the entire Zhu family!"

Zhu Rongwei roared in fury, about to fire, but suddenly found he couldn't move. A fleeting pain, then his vision blurred. As Xu Yintian turned to give him a final look, he held a mysterious object.

Soon, the ground beneath Zhu Rongwei was soaked in blood. His back was pierced with numerous needles—a silent attack from an unknown weapon. He died with eyes wide open.

Chapter 151: The Meeting Gift

Xu Yintian sat on the couch, looking at the body on the floor. When Xu Jingyi was released and saw this, she felt a chill, but also some relief. With Zhu Rongwei dead, she and her son should be safe, right?

"Brother, I had no idea my husband was involved in all this. Had I known earlier, I would have reported him. As for your nephew, he's always in school and couldn't possibly know."

"So, sister, do you think your husband deserved his fate?" Xu Yintian asked, looking at her.

When the Xu family prospered, Xu Jingyi was already an adult. Their life before was not smooth. Xu Jingyi cared about wealth and power. When their father died, had he not returned, she might have contended for the position of city lord.

She did try to contend later, but failed. She didn't expect that if she couldn't claim it, she'd push her husband and son to do so. Her methods were cunning and ruthless. But she forgot that the country is still governed by the rule of law.

"He... after all, was my husband. Our relationship wasn't great over the years. I knew he had other women outside. But now that he's gone, one must be held accountable for their mistakes."

Xu Yintian nodded thoughtfully, "Indeed, everyone must answer for their wrongdoings, especially on matters of grave importance. In my position, I must first consider the lives of the Yang City residents, then the stability of the nation. Having supported national stability in the past, I deeply understand its significance."

Xu Jingyi, aware of his military background, managed a weak smile, "Back then, it was thanks to Marshal Shao that you secured your position as city lord. By the way, why haven't I seen any interactions between you two these years?"

"He is busy with other people's affairs." Xu Yintian said lightly, not wanting to tell her that his private contact with Marshal Shao has never been broken.

He suddenly asked, "Sister, do you know why I have allowed your Zhu Family to grow over the years?"

"What... what do you mean?" Xu Jingyi took a step back, just stepped on Zhu Rongwei's blood, endured disgust and moved away, but accidentally met Zhu Rongwei's eyes without resting eyes, her heart beat faster, and her brain didn't Clear.

"I know you always think you are very capable. If you weren't a woman, you would be the lord of the city. Isn't what you've done secretly over the years just to prove this to the world? I'll let you go and let your Ambition is expanding day by day, making you live in hope every day, thinking that you have cultivated a proud son of the sky, and you can inherit the position of the city lord in the future, but today, do you still have such self-confidence?"

"What do you mean? You let us go? You know everything the Zhu family has done? But so what? You don't have children. Yun Kun is your closest nephew by blood. What will this city lord be passed on to him in the future? Right? I also know that this will not be smooth sailing, so I will build up enough connections and confidence for him first, and no one who wants to compete with him will end well in the future. Isn't this what you and your father have also done?" Xu Jingyi He laughed, "Hahaha, I see, you must have suddenly found that your position is threatened, yes, we also think, why wait until you are a hundred years later, how many years will it have to wait, I am older than you, When the time comes, maybe I will leave first, what is the meaning of the glory of death, it is better to fight now, not to mention the position of a city lord, it is not impossible to be the leader of the country."